Display stand



May 26, 1959 J. GOLDBERG 2,888,147

DISPLAY STAND May 25, 1959 J. GOLDBERG 2,888,147

DISPLAY STAND Filed Dec. 27, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 2J- IN VEN TOR.

MKM

May 26 1959 J. GOLDBERG 2,888,147

DISPLAY STAND Filed Dec. 27, 1955 s,4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Maj7 26, 1959 FiledDeo. 27, 1955 J. GOLDBERG DISPLAY STAND INVENTOR.

61 BY MMYWW United States Patent O DISPLAY STAND Joseph Goldberg,Chicago, Ill., assignor to Rapid MountinfgnS Finishing Company, Chicago,Ill., a corporation mois Application December 27, 1955, Serial No.555,600

The present invention relates generally to a display stand formedprimarily from substantially horizontally extending shelf memberssupported at the corners thereof by tubular leg segments. Morespecifically, the present invention is directed to a cardboard displaystand formed from a plurality of vertically spaced shelves beingsupported at the corners thereof with tubular cardboard leg segments,which shelves are provided with means for interconnection with the legsegments and which means include bracing elements which when cooperatingwith the leg segments impart sturdiness, rigidity and load-bearingproperties of an improved degree to the display stand".

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improveddisplay stand formed from horizontally extending members and segmentalsupporting members which cooperate with one another in interfittingrelation to impart to the display stand improved sturdiness andrigidity.

Another object is to provide an improved display stand formed fromcardboard elements including any number of shelves sturdily mounted invertically spaced relation by tubular cardboard leg segments, whichshelves and leg segments are provided with interconnecting means of animproved nature allowing the elements to be readily assembled ordismantled and being capable of imparting to the assembled display standimproved rigidity and sturdiness.

A further object is to provide a readily assembled or dismantled displaystand which is composed primarily of a plurality of similarly designedparts including shelves and leg segments, which parts may beinexpensively manufactured from cardboard material, the interconnectingof the parts including `the use of new and improved elements whichimpart rigidity and sturdiness to the assembled stand, and which standmay be formed in varying shapes depending on the particular use intendedwhile still makingfull and efficient use of the improved interconnectingelements regardless of the over-all design of the stand or the number ofelements used in the assembling thereof.

Other objects not specifically set forth will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description made in conjunction with the drawingswherein:

Fig. l is a perspective view of an assembled display stand incorporatingthe element interconnecting features of the present invention, thedisplay stand shown in Fig. l illustrating merely one embodiment of adisplay stand utilizing the principles of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale of a cornerofthe uppermost shelf of the stand shown in Fig. l, the positioning ofthe leg segment interconnected therewith being shown in broken lines;

Fig. 3 is a partial sectional view on an enlarged scale of a corner ofthe intermediate shelf of the stand of Fig. 1, the relative positioningof adjacent sections of the leg segments interconnected therewith beingshown in broken lines;

ice

Fig. 4 is a composite fragmentary plan view of corner portions of theblanks of the different shelves of the stand of Fig. 1, each of thefragmentary portions illustrating the particular corner `design used informing the shelves of the stand of Fig. l;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical section on an enlarged scale of one ofthe corners of the intermediate shelf of the stand of Fig. l furtherillustrating in broken lines the relative positioning of adjacent endsof leg segments interconnected therewith;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of one form of legsegment for use with the display stand of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of another form of legsegment;

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of a modified form of display standincorporating the structural features of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the modified display stand of Fig. 8;

Fig. l() is an enlarged fragmentary plan View of one of the corners ofthe top shelf of the modified form of display stand of Figs. 8 and 9;

Fig. ll is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of another corner of thetop shelf of the modified display stand of Figs. 8 and 9; and

Fig. l2 is a composite plan view of fragmentary portions of blankscapable of forming the various shelves of the display stand of Figs. 8and 9, each of the cornposite portions illustrating corner structures ofthe blanks.

In Fig. l, one form of an erected display stand 20 is shown as includingthree shelves generally designated by the numerals 2l, 22 and 23. Asillustrated the shelves 2li-23 are of rectangular shape and each areformed from a center panel 24, 25 and 26 respectively. Each of thecenter panels is provided with vertically extending side panels Z7, 2?and 2.9 respectively. For lightweight construction and economy inmanufacturing cost the shelves 2li-23 are preferably formed fromcardboard material and the side panels 27, 28 and Z9 are preferablyhingedly attached to the end margins of their respective center panels.This structural arrangement allows the display stand 20 to bek readilydisassembled and the shelves flattened for storage or shipment purposes.

The side panels 27-29 of each of the shelves 21-23 respectively areconvergent at their free ends to define corners which are attached tovertically extending supporting members or leg segments 30. These legsegments space the shelves vertically and support the same in spacedrelation. The interconnection between the corners of the shelves asdefined by the convergent side panels and the leg segments form theprincipal features of the present invention. The `leg segments 30 may beformed from cardboard material for lightweight and economicalconstruction and are preferably tubular being interiorly hollowed atleast at the end portions thereof.

In describing the elements of the corner construction of the variouspanels of the display stand 20 of Fig. l, reference is now made to thecomposite fragmentary View of the different corner structures utilizedin the display stand as Ishown in Fig. 4. The upper left hand portion ofthe composite view of Fig. 4 illustrates a corner section of the shelfor tray 21 as shown in Fig. l. As each of the corners of the shelf 21are similar in their construction, it is deemed merely necessary todescribe one of such corners.

The center panel 24 has integrally attached to its margins, as definedby the creases 31, the side panels 27. Inwardly of the convergent endmargins` of the side panels 27 are creases 32 which are continuations ofthe creases 31. The creases 32 define the inner margins of hingedlyattached bracing means or panels 33 which are separated from one anotherby a diagonally extending cut line 34. The center panel 24 at each ofits corners, as dened by the creases 31, is inwardly arcuately recessedor cut away as evidenced by a concave corner margin 35. By reason of thearcuate cut-out portion at the corners of the center panel 24, theconvergent end portions of the side panels 27 are unattached to thecenter panel 24. Adjacent each end of the concave margin 35, slots 36are cut out of the side panels 27 and, as shown in Fig. 4 extendinwardly of the inner margins thereof. The slots 36 extend radiallyinwardly of the side panels 27 substantially half the distance betweentheir longitudinal side margins.

In describing the manner in which the corners of the shelf 21 areinterconnected with the leg segments 30, reference is now made to Fig. 6wherein a tubular leg segment 30 is shown as being provided at the endsthereof with oppositely spaced or diametrically opposed inwardlydirected slots 37 and 38. The uppermost slots 37 extend inwardly of thetubular leg segment 30 a distance at least equal to the length of theslots 36 in the side panels 27. The lowermost slots 38 extend inwardlyof the lowermost end of the leg segment 30 a distance of approximatelyhalf that of the slots 37.

In Fig. 2, the manner in which the leg segment 30 is attached to acorner of the top tray 21 is illustrated. The side panels 27 are foldedupwardly into a right angle relation with the center panel 24 therebypositioning the slots 36 in a vertical plane. The bracing panels 33 arefolded about the hinge creases 32 inwardly and their inner faces areplaced in abutting relation to one another so that the combined bracingpanels 33 in faceto-face relation are directed inwardly at an anglealong a line which substantially bisects the right angle relationbetween the side panels 27. The top end of the leg segment 30 whichcarries the longer inwardly directed slots 37 is then brought intoengagement with the side panels 27 by moving the leg segment 30 upwardlyfrom the bottom of the center panel 24. The slots 37 are aligned withthe slots 36 and the concave margin 35 allows the outer periphery of theleg segment 30 to move upwardly past the `top surface of the centerpanel 24 into locking engagement with the side panels 27.

During the attachment of the leg segment 30 to a corner of the shelf 21the end portions of the side panels 27 existing between the slots 36 andthe crease lines 32 are received interiorly of the leg segment 30. Theinwardly directed abutting bracing panels 33 are also receivedinteriorly of the leg segment 30 and are of such a width as tosubstantially equal the inner diameter of the leg segment 30. The upwardmovement of the leg segment 30 is continued until the slots 3/ thereofreceive therein the material of the side panels 27 and the upper edge ofthe leg segment 30 is substantially ilush with the upper edge of theerected side panels 27. Upon reaching this point of completion ofassembly the slots 36 have received therein the material of the tubularwall of the leg segment 30 and the end faces of the slots 36 and 37 arein abutment.

As previously described, each of the corners of the shelf 21 isconstructed in a similar manner. In supporting all of the corners of thetop shelf 21 the same procedure is followed using the same type of legsegment 30 for each of the corners. As a result of the structuralfeatures described, each of the leg segments is braced with respect tothe shelf 21 while at the same time being readily assembled therewithand capable of being easily disassembled therefrom. The provision of thebracing panels 33 imparts added strength to the side panels 27 withrespect to their interconnection with the leg segments 30 and, as aresult, the shelf 21 is sturdily and ruggedly supported at each of itscorners. It should be understood that the width of the bracing panels 33may be just slightly greater than the inner diameter of 4 the leg`segment 30 thereby providing a wedging action upon the interconnectionof the elements. However, adequate bracing action may still be obtainedwithout the necessity of Wedging the bracing panels 33 within the legsegment 30. In the event that the shelf 2l should be subjected to forceswhich promote relative movement between the shelf and the supporting legsegments 30, the total amount of relative movement will be substantiallyeliminated by the bracing action of the panels 33. As long as the widthof each bracing panel 33 is substantially equal to the inner diameter ofa leg segment 30, any relative movement between the leg segment and theshelf 21 will be substantially eliminated.

The intermediate shelf 22, to be next described, is provided withcorners which are modified slightly as compared to the cornerconstruction of the shelf 21. As shown in Fig. 4, the lowermostcomposite portion illustrates left and right corners of a blank of theshelf 22 which are of similar construction. For descriptive purposes,like reference numerals will be used and it should be understood thatall of the corners of the intermediate shelf 22 are constructed in thesame manner.

The `side panels 28 are hingedly attached to the margins of the centerpanel 25 by creases 38. Each of the side panels 28 is provided inwardlyof the convergent ends thereof with creases 39 which dene the innermostmargins of bracing panels 40. Each pair of bracing panels 40 aresubdivided by diagonally directed cut lines 41 to allow each of thebracing panels 40 to move freely about their hin-ged connections 39. Thecorner margins of the center panel 25 are inwardly recessed to defineconcave margins 42 thereby freeing the outermost end portions of theside panels 28. Adjacent the ends of the concave margins 42 are slots 43which are directed inwardly of the side panels 28 in substantiallyparallel relation with the adjacent creases 39. As illustrated in Fig.4, the slots 43 extend inwardly about M1 the width of the side panels 28for a purpose to be described. The outer margins of the side panels 28at a point directly opposite the `slots 43 are provided with inwardlydirected slots 44 which `similarly extend approximately 1A of the totalwidth of each of the side panels 28.

To explain the manner in which the shelf 22 is mounted with respect toadjacent leg segments 30, reference is made to Figs. 3 and 5. The viewsof Figs. 3 and 5 illustrate a corner of the shelf 22 and it should beunderstood that all of the corners of such a shelf are interconnectedwith adjacent leg segments in the same manner. The side panels 28 arefolded upwardly about the creases 38 and the bracing panels 40 arefolded inwardly about the creases 39 in face-to-face abutting relationso as to be generally positioned in a direction along a line bisectingthe right angle formed by the convergent end portions of the side panels28. A leg segment 30 of the type shown in Fig. 6 is inverted withrespect to its position as shown in Fig. 6 so that the slots 38 are atthe top end thereof and this end of the leg segment 30 is advancedupwardly from underneath the shelf 22 into general peripheral alignmentwith the concave margin 42 of the center panel 25. The slots 38 arealigned with the slots 43 of the side panels 28 and the leg segment isadvanced upwardly until the innermost edges of the slots 38 and theslots 43 contact one another. Under these circumstances the slots 38 and43, being of subtsantially the same length, have received therein thematerial of the side panels 28 and the material of the leg segment 30respectively. The slots 3S and 43 being of a length substantially equalto 1A: the width of the side panels 28 allow the top edge of thelowermost leg segment to advance to approximately the center of the sidepanels 28. The endmost portions of the side panels 28 between the slots43 and the creases 39 are received interiorly of the leg segment 30along with the lower portion of the bracing panels 40. The bracingpanels 40; extend sufliciently within. the upper end of, the legsegments 30 to provide a bracing function thereby limiting relativemovement between the leg segment andthe shelf 22.

The shelf 22 being intermediate of the top and bottom,

shelves is arranged to receive at the corners thereof the end portionsof adjacent leg segments. As a result the corners receive the lowermostend portions of` leg segments 30 extending upwardly from the shelf 22into engagement with corners of the shelf 21. The leg segment 30 of Fig.6 is also capable of being used for vertical extension above the shelf22 as well as below the shelf 22 as previously described. The lowermostend of the leg segmentk 30, as shown in Fig. 6, vwhich is provided withlthe relatively short slots 38 is advanced downwardly into Contact withthe upper margins of the side panels 28. The slots 38 and l44 arealigned and the end portions of the side panels 28 extending between theslots 44 and the creases 39 as well as the top portions of the bracingpanels 40 are received interiorly of the leg segment 30. The uppermostleg segment 30 is then moved downwardly until the end walls of the slots38 and 44 abut at which position the uppermost leg segment 30 is in itsoperative engagement with the corners of the shelf 22. The length of theslots 38 and 44 being substantially 1A of the width of the side panels28 allows the lowermost edge of thev upper leg segment 30 to abut orcome into close contact with the uppermost edge of the lowermost legsegment 30. The point of contact is illustrated in Figs. 3 and 5 by thebroken line 45. This line of contact is clearly shown in' Fig. l. Itshould be noted, however, that actual abutment between the opposed endsof the leg segments in their engagement with the corners of theintermediate shelf is not necessary as long as the areas of ,contactexisting between the leg segments and the corner elements of the shelfare suicient to impart rigidity and` sturdiness to the structure.

Obviously any number of intermediate shelves 22 may be utilized informing a display stand of the type shown in Fig. 1. In using aplurality of intermediate shelves 22, a plurality of leg segments of thetype shown in Fig. 7 will then be used intermediate the shelves 22. Theleg segment 46 of Fig. 7 is slightly different from the leg segment 30in that its ends are provided with slots 47 and -48 which extendinwardly a distance equal to the length of the slots 38 of the legsegments 30. While the use of.

a plurality of intermediate shelves 22 is not shown it is` believedclear that the opposed ends of upper and lowerleg segments 46 willinterconnect in the same manner as described with respect to the opposedends of leg segments 30 carrying the shorter slots38.

The shelf 23, is of exactly the same structure as the shelf 21 exceptthat the shelf 23 is in an inverted' position with respect to the shelf21. The lowermost leg segments 30 are also inverted as compared with theuppermost leg segments 30 in the display stand 20. As a result thelonger slots 37 of the lowermost leg segments 30 are engaged with thecorners of the shelf 23 and this engagement is brought aboutv exactly inthe same manner as described in connecion with Fig. 2. Consequently, inthe use of the three-shelf display stand 20, the leg segments are ofexactly the same construction andthe shelves 21 and 23 are also ofexactly the same construction. The only difference in structural detailsresides in the intermediate shelf 22 and it should be obvious thatanynumber of these intermediate shelves may be used in conjunction with anumberV of the modified leg segments 46.

It will be noted that the shelves 21 and 22 are in the form of trayshaving their side panels 27 and 28, respectively, directed upwardly-with respect to their center panels 24 and 25. The bottom shelf 23 isin an inverted position in that the side panels 29 thereof areldirected.l

downwardly Iwith respect to the center panel 26. Obviously theintermediate shelf 22 may be mounted ,with respect to the. leg` segments30 either in` the, tray-like position shown in Fig. l or in an invertedposition with the side panels 28 being directed downwardly with respectto the center panel 25 without the necessity of changing the structural,features of its corners or the arrangement or structural features ofthe leg segments 30.

With minor modifications in structural features of the corners of ashelf the bottom shelf 23, for example, may be a tray-like structurewith the side panels thereof being directed upwardly with respect to itscenter panel and the top shelf 21 may be an inverted tray. To illustratethese modications the upper right fragmentary portion of the compositeview of Fig. 4 illustrates a blank generally designated 49 including acenter panel 50 having integrally formed therewith by creases 51, sidepanels 52. The side panels at their convergent ends are provided withlaterally extending creases 53 which define bracing panels 54. Thebracing panels S4 are separated by the cut line 55. immediately inwardlyof the creases 53 and extending inwardly from the outer margins of theside panels 52 are slots 56. ln comparing this particular structure withthe corner structure of shelf 21, it will be noted that the slots extendinwardly from the outer margins of the side panels instead of extendinginwardly from the inner -margins thereof. It will be further noted thatthe corners of the center panels are not recessed in concave outline.The reason for this is that the side panels 52 in use are foldedupwardly when the blank 49 is used in forming the lowermost shelf andthe center panel 50 is flush with the supporting surface on which theassembled stand is placed. As a result the bottommost ends of the legsegments 30 connected to the corners of the blank 49 partially abut theupper surface of the center panel 50 and itis not necessary that theouter periphery of the leg segment extend past the center panel 50.Likewise when the blank 49 is used to -form the uppermost shelf the sidepanels 52 will be folded downwardly and it is unnecessary that theuppermost edge of the leg segments attached to the corners thereofextend past the center panel 50. Therefore, it should be apparent thatwith slight modifications in line with the principles of the presentinvention, the uppermost or lowermost shelves-may have slightly modifiedcorner constructions to allow the stand toeither :present a traylikebottom shelf or a at surface top shelf, the l-atter having dependingside panels.

With respect to the blank 49l the bracing panels 54 are folded inwardlyand coincide with a line substantially bisecting the right angle formedbetween the erected side panels 52 and are received along with thel endportions of the side panels 52, as defined between the slots 56 and thecreases 53, within the interior of the leg segments 30. The blank 49,whether used as the uppermost shelf or the lowermost shelf, is providedwith slots 56 which extend to the longitudinal center line of the sidepanelsl S2 similarly as the slots 36 in the shelf 21.

The structural principles above described are capable of beingincorporated in many different designs of shelves to thereby provide anumber of display stands of varying shapes. A further example of a formof display stand utilizing the structural features of the presentinvention is shown in Figs. 8-l2. In Figs. 8 and 9, a display standgenerally designated 57 is shown as being providedl with shelves ofdiamond shape. For purposes of illustration, all butthe lowermost shelfof the stand 57 are tray-like Y shelves and a total of four such shelveshave been shown to further illustrate the use of a plurality ofintermediate shelves. The display stand 57 includes shelves 5861 whichare supported and interconnected by the use of a plurality of legsegments 30 and 46. The leg segments 3d) and 46 are of the samestructural design as those illustr-ated in Figs. 6 and 7, respectively,and therefore like reference numerals have been used.

A composite view of portions of the shelves of the display stand 57 areshown in Fig. l2 to generally illustrate the various structuralelementsforming the corners thereof. The composite nature of the view of Fig. 12illustrates'the general shape of each of the shelves used in the displaystand 57. As will be noted the side panels of adjacent corners convergeat dilerent angles while those of opposite corners converge at similarangles. For example, the uppermost and lowermost corners of thecomposite view of Fig. 12 are defined by converging side panels whichform an angle less than the angles formed at the left and right handcorners of the composite blank. This is of course necessary due to thediamond-like outline of the shelves of the display stand 57. As a resultof this dierence in angularity between the convergent ends of the sidepanels, it is necessary to vary the shape and number of the bracingpanels as will subsequently be described.

In first considering the corner construction of the shelves 58 and 61reference is made to the upper portion of the composite blank of Fig. 12which is generally designated by the numeral 62. The full blank 62 will,of course, be provided with four corners including oppositely spacedpairs of identical construction for purposes of illustration only two ofthese corners are shown, each corner illustrating one form of cornerconstruction.

The blank 62 is formed from a center panel 63 which is provided withmarginal creases 64 providing hinge connections for side panels 65. Theconverging ends of the side panels 65 forming the top corner as shown inFig. 12 are provided inwardly of the ends thereof with laterallyextending increases 66. These creases define integrally hinged bracingpanels 67. inwardly of the creases 66 are slots 68 which extend inwardlyof the side panels 65 from the inner margins thereof. The slots 65 areof a length substantially equal to 1/2 of the width of the side panels65. The center panel 63 at each of its corners is provided with aninwardly directed arcuate margin 69 having its ends adjacent the slots68.

The second form of corner construction of blank 62 shown on the left ofthe composite view of Fig. 12 includes a bracing panel 70 integrallyhinged to one of the convergent ends of the side panels 65 by a crease71. Due to the wide angle defined by the convergent ends of the sidepanels 65 it is preferred to form a single bracing panel 70 to therebyallow the shelf blank 62 to be `formed from a single sheet of material.inwardly of the crease 71 and the end margin of the adjacent side panelare positioned slots 72 which extend inwardly of the side panels 65 fromthe inner margins thereof. The slots 72 are also adjacent the ends ofthe concave margin 69. The pair of bracing panels 67 is separated by acut line 73 while the bracing panel 70 is freed by a cut line 73. Itwill be noted that the bracing panels 67 and 70 are of different shapeto account for the variance in angularity of side panel convergence.

Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate the manner in which the bracing panels andthe convergent end portions of the side panels 65 of the blank 62 arereceived within the interior of the leg segments 30. The view of Fig. ldeals with the interconnection of the left corner of the blank 62 withthe end of a leg segment 30 provided with slots 37. Due to thearrangement of the slots 72 extending inwardly from the inner margins ofthe side panels 65, the latter panels are folded upwardly with respectto the center panel 63 to form a tray-like shelf 58. The uppermost endof the leg segment 30 is then advanced in an upward direction and theslots 37 thereof are aligned with the slots 72. A portion of the outerperiphery of the leg segment 30 is brought into contact with the concavemargin 69 as previously described and the leg segment is moved upwardlyuntil the inner ends of the slots 37 and 72 abut one another. Thebracing panel 70 having been folded inwardly along a line substantiallybisecting the angle formed between the side panels 65 is receivedinteriorly of the leg segment 30 to brace the same with respect to theshelf.

Due to the angularity between the side panels 65 and the diametricallyopposed positioning of the slots 37, it is necessary that the endportions of the side panels 65 outwardly of the slots 72 be placed undercompression or bending stress to bring about a slight bending thereof,as illustrated in Fig. 10. In this manner the leg segment is ecientlyengaged with the structural elements of the corner and the combinedshelf and leg segment are placed in braced relation. Due to the presenceof a compressive action, the end portion of the side panels 65 notcarrying a bracing panel is urged into abutment with the other sidepanel near the crease 71. This arrangement allows the single bracingpanel 70 to function as two bracing panels and the side panel notcarrying a bracing panel is well braced.

In order to overcome the necessity of bending or placing the endportions of the side panels 65 under compressive forces, the angularrelation of the slots 37 in the leg elements may be varied. Suchvariations are considered to be well within the skill of the art and itis merely intended in discussing the display stand 57 to illustrate anadditional shape of display stand which ncorporates the principles ofthe present invention.

The remaining form of corner structure of the shelf blank 62 isillustrated in Fig. 1l in the erected form of the blank and inengagement with a leg segment 30. Referring to Fig. 1l, the side panels65 are folded upwardly with respect to the center panel 63 to form atraylike shelf and the slots 68 are aligned with the slots 37 of the legsegment 30 and advanced into end-abutting relation. A portion of theouter periphery of the leg segment 30 is in engagement with the concavemargin 69 and the bracing panels 67 are received interiorly of the legsegment 30. Here again, the end portions of the side panels 65 whichextend between the creases 66 and the slots 68 are under compressiveforces within the leg segment 30 to allow the angular relation of theside panels 65 to be compensated with respect to the oppositelypositioned slots 37. It should also be understood with respect to thisparticular corner structure that the angular relation between the slots37 in the leg segment 30 may be varied in order to eliminate thenecessity of placing the end portions of the side panels 65 undercompressive forces.

While it is not necessary to place the end portions of the side panels65 under compressive forces so as to bring about a bending thereof, itshould be noted that if the display stand is to be subjected to roughhandling or relatively heavy loads the placing of the end portions ofthe side panels under compressive forces further adds to the stabilityexisting between the leg segments and the shelves supported thereby. Anincreased wedging action is obtained between the inner periphery of theleg segments and the elements received therein and additional strengthis imparted to the over-all structure.

As previously described, the blank 62 is used to form both the top shelf58 and the bottom shelf 61. With respect to the bottom shelf 61 the sidepanels 65 extend downwardly from the center panel 63 while, with respectto the top shelf 58, the shelf is a tray-like structure with the sidepanels 65 extending upwardly with respect to the center panel 63.

The intermediate shelves 59 and 60 are provided with cornerconstructions as shown in the blank fragment generally designated 74 inFig. 12. Here again, the blank is composed of four corner constructions,the oppositely positioned corners being of similar construction. Forpurposes of illustration the construction of one of each of the pairs ofcorner constructions is shown in Fig. 12. The blank 74 is formed from acenter panel 75 and is provided with side panels 76 which are hingedlyattached to the margins of the center panel 75 by creases 77. The rightcorner construction, as viewed in Fig. 12, is provided with a bracingpanel 78 separated from the adjacent side panel by a cut line 79 anddefined at its inner margin by a crease 80. Inwardly of the crease 80and the end margin of the adjacent side panel are inwardly directedslots 81 which extend inwardly from the inner margins of the side panels76. The slots 81 extend inwardly a length of substantially 1A the totalwidth of the side panels 76. Additional slots 82 are positionedoppositely with respect to the slots 81 and extend inwardly from theouter margins of the side panels 76. The slots 82 are of the same lengthas the slots 81.

The lowerrnost corner of the blank 74, as viewed in Fig. l2, is providedwith bracing panels 83 which are connected to the end portions of theside panels 76 by' creases 84. The adjacent edges of the bracing panels83 are separated by a cut line 85. Inwardly of the creases 84 are slots86 which extend inwardly from the inner margins of the side panels 76.Oppositely positioned from the slots S6 are additional slots 87 whichextend inwardly from the outer margins of the side panels 76. The slots86 and 87 are each of a length substantially 1A of the width of the sidepanels 76. Each of the corner margins of the center panel 75 are definedby concave margins 88.

It will be noted that in comparing the bracing panels 70 and 78, thesepanels are of the same shape and design. Furthermore, the panels 67 and83 are of similar design and, as a result, the corner constructions ofthe blank 74 when erected to form a shelf such as the shelves 59 and 60cooperate with the leg segments 30 as previously described in connectionwith Figs. 10 and ll.

The blank 74 is used to form the intermediate shelves 59 and 60 and thecorners are connected with adjacent ends of leg segments. In thisconnection the slots 38 of the lowermost leg segments 30 areinterconnected with one of the pairs of slots 81 or S6 when the blank 74is formed into a tray-like shelf 60. When the blank 74 is formed into atray-like shelf 59 the slots 38 of the uppermost leg segments 30cooperate with the slots 82 and the slots 87. Intermediate the shelves59 and 60 the leg segments 46 are utilized as the slots 47 and 48carried by each of the ends thereof are of the same length. The slots 47and 48 are adapted to cooperate with any of the pairs of slots 81 or 87to interconnect the intermediate shelves 59 and 60. The added bracingaction of the placing of the end portions of the side panels outwardlyof the slots under bending stress is also obtained with respect to theintermediate shelves 59 and 60.

While two modifications of display stand construction incorporating theprinciples of the present invention have been shown, it should beunderstood that any desired shape of shelves incorporated in a displaystand of the type described maybe utilized and that such modificationsare considered to be within the scope of the present invention.Obviously combinations of rectangular and triangular portions of asingle shelf may be used |while incorporating the structural features ineach of the corners carried by such a shelf for engagement with legsegments of the type described. Furthermore, any number of shelves maybe used and while such has not been shown in the drawings, a singleshelf supported by the necessary number of leg segments is considered tofall within the teachings of the present invention.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the invention ashereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit andscope thereof, and therefore only such limitations should be imposed asare indicated in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A display stand comprising a substantially horizontal member havingsubstantially vertical supporting members attached thereto, saidhorizontal member being provided with substantially vertically extendingpanels convergent at their ends to define supporting member attachingportions, said panels carrying slots spaced inwardly of the convergentends thereof, and folded bracing means attached to the convergent endsof said panels, said supporting members being slotted inwardly of' atleast one end thereof, the slots of said panels and said supportingmembers being vertically aligned and each receiving the material of theother therein, said bracing means being fully received interiorly ofsaid supporting members in angular relation to the panels to which theyare attached to brace the supporting members and horizontal membertherebetween.

2. A display stand comprising a plurality of substantially horizontalvertically spaced shelves, and a plurality of tubular leg segmentsattached to the corners of said shelves to vertically space and supportthe same, each of.

said shelves being formed from a substantially horizontal center panelbeing provided at the margins thereof with vertically extending sidepanels convergent at their ends to.

define said corners, said side panels being slotted in a verticaldirection spaced inwardly of the convergent ends thereof, the sidepanels of lthe lowermost shelf extending `downwardly from the centerpanel thereof and the side panels of the remainder of said shelvesextending upwardly with respect to their associated center panels, andbracing panels hingedly attached to the convergent ends of said sidepanels, said leg segments beingslotted inwardly of the ends thereof, theslots of said side panels and said leg segments being vertically alignedand each receiving the material of the other therein, the convergentends of the side panels of intermediate shelves being slottingly engagedwith adjacent ends of leg segments, said bracing panels being fullyreceived interiorly of said leg segments in angular relation to the sidepanels to which they are attached to brace the leg segments and saidshelves with respect to one another.

3. A display stand comprising a substantially horizontal member. havingsubstantially vertical supporting members attached thereto, saidhorizontal member being provided with substantially vertically extendingside panels convergent at their ends to define supporting memberattaching portions, said side panels carrying slots spaced inwardly ofthe convergent ends thereof, and bracing panels hingedly attached to theconvergent ends of said side panels, said supporting members beingprovided with hollow interiors inwardly of the ends thereof attached tosaid horizontal member, said supporting members being slotted inwardlyof the hollow ends thereof, the slots of said side panels and saidsupporting members being vertically aligned and each receiving thematerial of the other therein, said bracing panels being received in thehollow ends of said supporting members and being of a width at leastsubstantially equal to but no greater than the inner diameter of saidhollow ends while further being in angular relation to the side panelsto which they are attached to brace said supporting members and saidhorizontal member with respect to one another by contacting the innersurfaces of said supporting members.

4. A display stand comprising a plurality of substantially horizontalvertically spaced shelves, and a plurality of tubular leg segmentsattached to the corners of said shelves to vertically space and supportthe same, each of said shelves being formed from a substantiallyhorizontal center panel being provided at the margins thereof withvertically extending side panels convergent at their ends to define saidcorners, said side panels being slotted in a vertical direction inwardlyof the convergent ends thereof, the corners of said center panels beingrelieved to define concave corner margins in close association with aportion of the outer periphery of adjacent leg segments, and bracingpanels hingedly attached to the convergent ends of said side panels,said leg segments being slotted inwardly of the ends thereof, the slotsof said side panels and said leg segments being vertically aligned andeach receiving the material of the other therein, the convergent ends ofthe side panels of intermediate shelves being slottingly engaged withadjacent ends of leg segments, said bracing panels being receivedinteriorly of said leg segments and being of a width at leastsubstantially equal to the inner diameter of said leg segments to bracesaid leg segments and shelves with respect to one another by engagementwith the inner surfaces of said leg segments.

5. A display stand comprising a plurality of substantially horizontalvertically spaced shelves, and a plurality of tubular leg segmentsattached to the corners of said shelves to vertically space and supportthe same, each of said shelves being formed from a substantiallyhorizontal center panel being provided at the margins thereof withvertically extending side panels convergent at their ends to define saidcorners, the corners of said center panel being dened by inwardlydirected arcuate marginal portions in close association with a portionof the outer periphery of adjacent leg segments, the convergent ends ofsaid side panels having portions unattached to their associated centerpanel, the unattached end portions being vertically slotted inwardly ofthe convergent ends thereof, the slots of the side panels of theuppermost shelf extending upwardly from the lowermost margins thereof,the slots of the side panels of the lowermost shelf extending downwardlyfrom the uppermost margins thereof, the slots of the side panels of theintermediate shelves extending inwardly from both the uppermost andlowermost margins thereof, the side panels of said intermediate shelvesbeing attached to opposed ends of adjacent leg segments, and bracingpanels hingedly attached to the convergent ends of said side panels,said leg segments being slotted inwardly of the ends thereof, the slotsof said side panels and said leg segments being vertically aligned andeach receiving the material of the other therein, said bracing panelsbeing received interiorly of said leg segments while further being inangular relation to the side panels to which they are attached to bracesaid leg segments and shelves with respect to one another by engagementwith the inner surfaces of said leg segments.

6. A display stand comprising a plurality of substantially horizontalvertically spaced shelves, and a plurality of tubular leg segmentsattached to the corners of said shelves to vertically space and supportthe same, each of said shelves being formed from a substantiallyhorizontal center panel being provided at the margins thereof `withvertically extending side panels convergent at their ends to define saidcorners, the convergent ends of said side panels having portionsunattached to their associated center panel, the unattached end portionsbeing vertically slotted inwardly of the convergent ends thereof, andbracing panels hingedly attached to the convergent ends of said sidepanels, said leg segments being slotted inwardly of the ends thereof,the slots of said side panels and said leg segments being verticallyaligned and each receiving the material of the other therein, theconvergent ends of the side panels of intermediate shelves beingslottingly engaged ywith adjacent ends of leg segments, said bracingpanels'being received interiorly of said leg segments to brace the sameand said shelves with respect to one another, the end portions of saidside panels being placed under bending stress within the interiors ofsaid leg segments by edge contact with the inner surfaces of said legsegments.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,040,270 Bryning Oct. 8, 1912 1,209,157 Heerdt Dec. 19, 1916 1,854,777Bales Apr. 19, 1934 1,956,662 Wolcott May l, 1934 2,132,785 Hill Oct.11, 1938 2,276,308 Hugh Mar. 17, 1942 2,669,117 Fuhrmann Feb. 16, 1954FOREIGN PATENTS 53,167 Netherlands Sept. 15, 1942

